Hiring a lawyer is expensive. However, when a person has been arrested and charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, not hiring a lawyer is often not a choice. An Operating Under Influence Lawyer can help a person get a much better outcome for their case, and failing to work with a lawyer can have a significant impact on the person’s future.
Being Convicted of the Charge
If the person does not hire a lawyer, there’s a much higher chance of them being convicted. This means a fine of $300 to $1000, 10 days to six months in jail, and the possibility of being required to do 32 hours of community service or participate in a court-approved substance abuse program. The consequences can be worse if this is not their first conviction or if they had an extremely high BAC (blood alcohol content) when they were arrested.
Loss of Driver’s License and the Impact of That
After a conviction, the person will have a one-year suspension of their driver’s license. They could have a two-year suspension if they had a BAC of .20 or higher. This will mean they cannot drive a vehicle at all for at least one year. It could impact their ability to keep their job, or to find a job, and can make it more difficult to get groceries or just go to a store to browse. A hardship license is possible, but difficult to get without legal assistance.
Future Impact of a Misdemeanor or Felony Conviction
Along with the loss of their driver’s license, the conviction will permanently impact the person’s life. They will likely have to pay a higher insurance rate when the are able to drive again, and they can have trouble getting a job or renting an apartment because of their criminal history. Professionals might also face losing their career as a criminal record can mean they are unable to obtain the professional license they need.
Being convicted of driving under the influence can have an incredibly significant impact on a person’s life well into the future. A person who has been arrested and charged with this should contact an Operating Under Influence Lawyer as quickly as possible to get the help they’ll need. To learn more or to find a lawyer to work with, visit chrisrichardattorney.com now.
